California Bicycle Accident Attorney

California has one of the highest rates of bicycle accidents in the United States. Out of the 39.24 million people living in the state, 1.4% of those commute to work using bicycles, which is estimated to be around 600,000 cyclists commuting every day. As more and more people are using bicycles to traverse the cities, the likelihood of a bicycle accident becomes more apparent and should it ever happen, it is recommended to hire an experienced attorney who will fight for your best interests.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we stand in alliance with the cycling community. We strive to protect, preserve, and adhere to our client’s interests with the best legal representation from bicycle injury lawyers in California. As a personal injury law firm with over 20 years of experience, we have the most seasoned bicycle accident lawyers who are committed to achieving maximum settlements for our clients. No matter what kind of accident you have been involved in, our legal team will be there every step of the way to ensure you get justice. 

To schedule a free consultation, please contact our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick contact form.

Why Choose WCTL

For California bicycle accident victims, the right legal team makes all the difference. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our in-person attorneys—including Harvard graduates and nationally recognized legal analysts—handle your case directly. We never outsource, inflate fees, or add hidden costs, and we handle property damage for free. With a proven track record of winning over $1.7 billion in combined settlements for our clients, you can be sure that your case for personal injury lawyer will be taken seriously and handled professionally by the best bike accident lawyer on the west coast.

Here are just some of the benefits to working with us:

• Our team has years of experience handling bike accident cases and understands what kind of evidence needs to be collected to prove liability.
• We prepare all paperwork related to filing an insurance claim or lawsuit so you don’t have to worry about it yourself.
• Our attorneys help navigate any disputes between parties involved in the accident, including insurance companies which may not have your best interest in mind

We strive to take away as much stress from our clients as possible by keeping them informed every step of the way during their case’s progress. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we believe in justice for those who have been wrongfully injured.

California Bike Laws

In California, the state is committed to ensuring the safety of every person who rides their bike in the city of their choosing. As such, the state has implemented a number of laws to ensure the chances of getting involved in a bicycle accident is minimized as much as possible. Should anyone be caught violating these laws then they will not only be held liable for any accident they have caused, but would be faced with a series of fines and penalties. 

• Pedestrians always have the right of way (As per CVC 21954 (b))
• Always stop behind the crosswalk (As per CVC 21950 & 21455)
• Obey the signs and lights (As per CVC 21200)
• Ride the same direction as traffic (As per CVC 21650)
• Take the lane if needed (As per CVC 21202)
• It’s okay to leave the bike lane (As per CVC 21208)
• Use your lights at night (As per CVC 21201)
• Must not wear headset or ear plugs (As per CVC 27400)

Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents in California

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we strive to represent our clients best interest when they are involved in a bicycle accident. While every bike accident case is different, it is important that accident victims try to understand their situation as much as possible, so they can provide their attorneys all of the necessary information.

Negligent Drivers

Every driver on the road has a duty of care to ensure that bicycle riders do not get injured as they are traveling on the road. However, not every driver follows the rules and, as a result, negligent drivers are one of the leading causes of bicycle injuries. From reckless driving practices to neglecting the rules of the road, a negligent driver can potentially hit a bicyclist on the road and they can suffer a range of injuries. 

According to a bicycle fatality report from National Safety Council, out of the 1,360 bicyclist deaths in 2022, 928 of them died from motor-vehicle crashes. With these numbers in mind, the chances of a bicyclist suffering fatal injuries from a driver is significantly high and it can potentially turn a cycling accident into a wrongful death claim.

Lack of Visibility

One of the most common causes of bicycle accidents is a lack of visibility. When a cyclist is riding in bad weather conditions or low light situations, such as at dawn or dusk, there is a steep increase in probability for bike accidents. Cyclists can improve their visibility by wearing reflective clothing and using lights on their bikes. 

Riding Under the Influence

To some people’s surprise, riding under the influence of drugs or alcohol is illegal and extremely dangerous. Impaired cyclists may have reduced reaction times and may not be able to control their bikes effectively, increasing the risk of an accident. Cyclists should not, under any circumstance, ride while under the influence and should always prioritize safety while on the road.

Poorly Maintained Bicycles

Poorly maintained or assembled bicycles can also be a common cause for accidents. Not regularly or properly maintaining bike parts such as tightening loose chains or improperly inflating your tires can lead to major accidents. While the liability of these incidents will vary on the nature of the situation, cyclists should always maintain their bikes and ensure the equipment being used is in good working condition. 

The Importance of Finding a Local Bike Accident Lawyer in California

When you’ve been involved in a bike accident, hiring a local attorney can make all the difference in navigating your case effectively. Local lawyers understand the specific laws, regulations, and court systems in your area, giving you an edge when it comes to building a strong case. Beyond legal knowledge, local attorneys often have connections with local experts, investigators, and resources that can be crucial to your claim.

Here are just a few of the benefits of working with a local bike accident lawyer:

• In-depth knowledge of local laws: Each city in California has its own nuances when it comes to handling bike accidents.
• Familiarity with local courts and judges: A local attorney knows the preferences and tendencies of judges and other legal professionals in the area.
• Accessibility and personalized service: Meeting your attorney in person can provide peace of mind and foster clear communication throughout the process.

If you’re looking for an experienced local bike accident lawyer, we proudly serve clients in cities across California. Explore the links below to find help in your area:

• Los Angeles 
• San Francisco
• San Diego 
• San Jose 
• Sacramento 
• Fresno 
• Long Beach 
• Santa Ana 
• Riverside 
• Irvine 
• Bakersfield
• Beverly Hills
• Pasadena
• San Bernardino 
• Woodland Hills
• Solana Beach 
• Newport Beach
• Valencia
• Glendora
• Fullerton
• Visalia 
• Palm Springs
• West Covina

By choosing a lawyer who knows your city, you’ll receive the tailored support and legal guidance you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim. Don’t settle for generic legal representation—work with someone who understands the unique challenges and opportunities in your local area.

Types of Bicycle Accident Injuries

Bicycle accidents, like most accidents on the road, can range from minor injuries to disastrous long-term damage. These bike accident injuries can be divided into three main categories: external, internal, and neurological.

External Injuries

External injuries are the most common type of injury sustained in bicycle accidents. Similar to motorcycle injuries, these injuries range from scrapes and bruises to broken bones and deep lacerations. Road rash is a frequent external injury caused by bicycle or accidents involving bicycles.

Internal Injuries

Internal injuries are referred to as any damage to the internal organs as a result of an accident. These injuries can range from internal bleeding to ruptured organs and depending on the severity of the accident, internal injuries can be just as fatal as any other accident. Some common internal injuries are:

• Organ damage
• Rib fractures or other bone fractures
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding

Neurological Injuries

Neurological injuries from bicycle accidents are caused when the brain is damaged or comes into contact with the skull due traumatic brain injury due to rapid movement following impact with another object, like a vehicle. These injuries can be vast and include conditions and injuries such as:

• Concussions
• Skull fractures
• Cerebral contusions
• Subdural hematoma & Epidural hematoma
• Spinal cord injuries (SCI)
• Brachial plexus injuries
• Peripheral nerve injuries
• Facial nerve injuries
• Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injuries
• Vestibular injuries
• Optic nerve injuries

Due to the range of injuries bicycle accidents can cause, the chances of suffering significant damage that requires medical attention and ongoing rehabilitation is considerably high. That’s why it’s imperative for those injured in bicycle accidents to not only seek out medical treatment and attention but to also consult with an experienced California bicycle accident attorney for legal advice.

How Is Liability Determined in a Bike Accident?

When it comes to determining liability in a bike accident, it is usually placed on the one who has largely caused the accident in question. However, if the victim was partially responsible in the accident in question, then according to California law specifically Civil Code 1431.2, a percentage of the victim’s total awarded compensation will be reduced based on their involvement in causing the accident.

For example, if a bike crash happens and the injured rider was 20% responsible for causing the accident in question, then they will lose 20% of their total awarded sum in order to hold them accountable. This also serves as a means to provide the responsible party some financial leeway when providing compensation for the victim.

How Do I Know If I Have a Case for My Bicycle Accident?

The crux of almost every personal injury case revolves around determining who was at fault or who was mostly liable for the damages caused by the accident at hand. After being involved in a bicycle accident, we confidently recommend to retain the best legal representation possible. More than likely the other party will be retaining counsel as well in order to cover any possible liability they may have been responsible for.

Undertaking a personal injury claim on your own can be extremely difficult and may lead to the other party winning the case just by simply having a competent lawyer. We highly suggest keeping some important factors in mind, like how much damage was caused after your bicycle accident.

Ask yourself:

• Am I severely injured?
• What is the value of the property damage caused?
• Are there any medical bills?
• Was the driver under the influence?

These questions are best to be discussed with an expert bicycle accident lawyer who can represent you and determine whether you may have a case against the other party.

West Coast Trial Lawyers is Here to Help

If you or a loved one was involved in a bicycle accident and sustained serious injuries, then you may be eligible to recover compensation for your damages. As filing personal injury claims can be a difficult and confusing process especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system, it is imperative that you hire a bicycle accident lawyer who is well versed in the California court system and is experienced in negotiating with the insurance company.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our team of experienced bicycle accident attorneys are ready to take on your case and serve as your personal representative in this endeavor. We are a law firm that specializes in personal injury cases and with over 20 years of legal experience, our attorneys are confident that they can get you the maximum compensation you deserve for your damages.

We have recovered over $1.7 billion in financial compensation for our clients and we will continue to do our duty to fight for them and watch out for their best interests. As our attorneys understand how stressful being involved in an accident can be, they handle every case with the utmost care and respect that it deserves. Whether you were injured by reckless drivers or suffered injuries from negligent motorists, our team of attorneys will be there every step of the way to address any questions or concerns that may arise in your case.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you pay no fees until you win. To schedule a FREE consultation for your case, we welcome you to reach out to our 24/7 legal team by calling us at (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bicycle Accidents